Lockwood Valley Gathering

by: Dave Flynn

Clear skies at Chuchupate made for spectacular viewing Saturday night.  Club member Glenn Basore, Lance Martin, Eric Borigni, Bert, Laureen and Matt DeMello were joined by members of Orange County, Antelope Valley, Kern and Bakersfield astronomy clubs.  In all there were ten telescopes and as many viewers. It was a friendly group, generous with sharing information and their knowledge of the skies.  Some of the scopes were quite creative and we all enjoyed checking out various digitized add-ons and the different methods people were using to find their targets.  The light from Venus was blinding, but did not interfere with viewing. Some of the objects found on this clear night were the Omega and Eagle Nebula's, the  Ring and  the Lagoon Nebula. By far the most spectacular object  viewed was the Veil Nebula, with its hauntingly beautiful eastern and western components so large they couldn't be viewed simultaneously. If you have not seen the Veil Nebula put it at the top of your list of objects to find.  With proper clothing the 37 degree temperature was perfectly tolerable for all. 

Written By;
Laureen DeMello